Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Institute of Values (RKM-VIVA), Gurugram, organised an awareness programme titled ‘Shraddha aur Shakti Yukt Bharat’ at DPG Degree College, Gurugram, on 26 August 2026 as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The two-hour programme was attended by approximately 140 first-year engineering students and formed part of the college’s Deeksharambh orientation programme for newly admitted students.
The programme aimed to create awareness among young people about substance abuse and addiction, promote healthy living and resilience, and encourage youth participation in initiatives supporting a substance-free society. RKM-VIVA, located about 4 km from the college, conducted the programme in support of the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in higher educational institutions.
Shri Siddharth Chattopadhyay, IPS, DGP (Retd.), shared his extensive experience of combating narco-terrorism in Punjab and spoke about the serious consequences of substance abuse and addiction for individuals, families, society and the nation.
An interactive poll enabled the students to reflect on their awareness and perceptions regarding substance abuse. The responses indicated that peer pressure and the desire to fit in were perceived as major factors influencing experimentation with drugs, followed by stress and academic burnout. The interaction also revealed that 17% of the respondents had tried alcohol or drugs, while 22% knew someone who had. Significantly, 61% expressed interest in joining a support group.
The programme then moved from awareness of the problem to the cultivation of inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Swami Vivekananda’s teaching on the infinite power within every individual and its manifestation through Shraddha was presented through an inspiring quotation and the well-known parable of the lion among the sheep. A real-life case study illustrating recovery from substance dependence and the rebuilding of life into a successful and socially constructive career was also discussed.
Students were introduced to the connection between thought, action, habit and character, and how these progressively shape an individual’s destiny. The concepts of Shakti manifesting as Bahubal, Buddhibal and Atmabal were also discussed. The highlight of the session was a short guided meditation, during which students listened to positive affirmations emphasising their inherent power, strength and goodness.
The programme concluded with a call to the students to adopt a healthy and substance-free way of life. They were also introduced to RKM-VIVA’s Youth Connect initiative, held every Sunday from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Gurugram. The initiative provides young people opportunities to study the ideas of Swami Vivekananda, practise guided meditation and participate in community-service activities.
The programme received highly positive feedback from the students and college representatives. Prof. Prahlad Singh, Director, DPG Group of Colleges, expressed the need for more such programmes to be conducted for students across the various academic programmes of the institution.
